Storied British air freight carrier, MK Airlines is set, after signing a letter of intent with Freight Feeder Aircraft Corporation, to become the launch customer for FF5000 Freight Feeder Aircraft.

Having only recently resumed operations after securing additional funding from investors, MK Airlines plans to purchase ten of the FF5000, with an option for five additional aircraft.

Currently under construction, the FF5000 prototype Aircraft is expected to be completed in the spring of 2009, with the finalisation of the purchase agreement between MK Airlines and Freight Feeder Aircraft Corporation to take place after the aircraft’s first flight.

Freight Feeder Aircraft Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer, John DuPont, speaking to the purchase agreement, said that "we are very pleased with MK Airlines’ decision to enter into an LOI for FF5000 aircraft for its UK cargo airline operations, and for its commitment in helping the FF5000 come to market in the European, and global marketplace."

DuPont added that the New Mexico based Freight Feeder Aircraft Corporation was also "looking forward to a long-term mutually beneficial relationship with MK Airlines," especially as the company continues the development and subsequent production of the FF5000 Aircraft.

Chief Executive Office of MK Airlines, Mike Kruger, acknowledged the  potential of the FF5000 to serve both MK Airlines and the air freight industry, saying that "the Freight Feeder Aircraft could play an important role in the future development of an air cargo industry that is already short of competitive and cost-effective airframe capacity."

The FF5000 along with the smaller FF4000 have been developed to fill the niche market of a regional-sized, container-capable turboprop-aircraft.  The aircraft being specifically designed to transport containerised and or palletised air shipments to and from regional manufacturing and freight distribution facilities to and from major international hub airports.

Source: Business Wire and MK Airlines

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